Sue Johnston's 'Coronation Street' storyline has had to be changed after filming was delayed due to a mystery illness

The 'Waking the Dead' actress suffered a mystery illness before she was due to start filming for the ITV1 soap with her arrival on the cobbles now pushed back to September, although insiders say the new storyline is better than the first.

Speaking about the actress, who will play the mother of Rovers Return landlady Stella Price (Michelle Collins), a source told The Sun newspaper: "It's taken a bit of time to write Sue back in because the writers needed to find the perfect scenario to introduce her character. The new scenario is even better than the first one.

"From the few days Sue was in before she fell ill, everyone was impressed at how wonderfully she fitted in."

Gloria was originally set to arrive on the cobbles in June unannounced from Spain, where she has been running a bar, and despite telling Stella she only planed on staying in Weatherfield for a short time, the outspoken matriarch was set to fall out with her daughter when it became apparent she has no intention of leaving.

Producer Phil Collinson said: "I'm delighted to be welcoming Sue Johnston to the cast of 'Coronation Street'. She is a national treasure and a stunning actress.

"She has been at the heart of the very best comedy and drama the UK has produced over the last 30 years and will step into the heart of 'Coronation Street' as her character, Gloria, takes up running The Rovers with daughter Stella."